Ernest E. Kuess, 82, Coldwater, died Oct. 30, 2013, at his home.

He was born April 23, 1931, in Chickasaw, to Roman and Justine (Evers) Kuess. On May 11, 1957, he married Gladys Muhlenkamp in St. Anthony, and she survives.

Also surviving are three children, Linda (Ken) Borgerding, Coldwater, Brenda (Jeff), Bernhold, Tipp City, and Kevin (Brenda) Kuess, Coldwater; nine grandchildren, Jordan and Karla Borgerding, Bryan, Holly and Brad Bernhold and Jamie, Dustin, Riley and Spencer Kuess; a brother, Elmer Kuess, Celina; sisters, Dolores Muhlenkamp, Portland, Ind., and Irene (Paul) Heckman, Delhart, Texas; and in-laws, Esther Kuess, Chickasaw, Ed Prenger, Coldwater, Virgil (Pat) Muhlenkamp, Coldwater, Doris (Bill) Simons, Warminster, Pa.; Lavern (Diane) Muhlenkamp, Clayton, Rita (Don) Kramer, New Bremen, Larry (Janice) Muhlenkamp, St. Anthony; Leroy (Sue) Muhlenkamp, Coldwater, Peg Muhlenkamp, Coldwater, and Terry (Bonnie) Muhlenkamp, St. Anthony.

Deceased are sisters, Mildred Prenger and Dorothy Tuente; a brother, Lavern Kuess; and in-laws, Clarence Tuente, Alvin Muhlenkamp, Irma Kuess and Ed Muhlenkamp.

He graduated from Minster High School in May 1949. He worked for Willhoff Hardware & Furniture in Coldwater before being drafted into the Army in 1952. He served in the 5th Regimental Combat Team in the Punchbowl Area Combat Zone of Korea. After leaving the Army, he worked for Bart Desch retail furniture store for 19 months. In November 1955 he began working at Mersman's in Celina for 10 years. In May 1965, he started as an agent and manager of Universal Guarantee Life until 2001. He also clerked for Coldwater Auction Service for 45 years. He was a life member of the Coldwater Veterans of Foreign Wars; Coldwater American Legion; Knights of St. John, Maria Stein; and Coldwater Knights of Columbus. He was past commander of the Coldwater VFW and belonged to the Color Guard since 1967. He was a charter member of the Coldwater Kiwanis and ran the K-Burger stand for 31 years. He also was a member of the Coldwater Eagles, Mercer County Cattlemen's Association, New Idea preservation group, and the Mercer County Young Farmers. He was past board member for the Mercer County Senior Citizens.

He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Coldwater, where he was a Mass server, an usher, and a member of the men's Holy Name Society. In 2004, he received the volunteer of the year award from the Coldwater Chamber of Commerce and in 2005 he received an honorary lifetime membership in the young farmers for his service as clerk for 30 years. In 2008, he was invited by the South Korean government for a 14-day visit to the country to thank combat veterans for their service there.

His passions in life were collecting antiques, going to auctions and talking and socializing with everyone he could. He was proud of his service to his country, proud of his family and proud of the community in which he lived. He will be greatly missed by his family, his friends and the Coldwater community.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Monday at Holy Trinity Church, the Rev. Rick Walling officiating. Burial with military rites will follow in St. Elizabeth Cemetery.

Calling is 1-7 p.m. Sunday and 9-10 a.m. Monday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.

Condolences may be left at hogenkampfh.com.